Important Steps to Take After a Construction Site Accident
A construction site is a dangerous place. High elevations, heavy equipment, high-risk materials, and electricity are some of the hazards construction workers face on the job each day.
The fatal injury rate for construction workers is higher than the average for any other industry. Every year, thousands of workers suffer injuries from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic injuries on construction sites.
If you or a loved one is the victim of a construction site accident, you should know the proper steps to take following an accident. Here are some recommendations to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Seek Medical Attention
If you’ve sustained an injury in a construction site accident, seek medical care right away. Don’t hesitate to call 911 or allow a coworker to make the call for you.
You want to have a doctor assess the extent of your injuries no matter how minor you think they may be. Some injuries, including head, neck, and spinal injuries, aren’t always noticeable at first.
Now is not the time to tough it out or see if you feel better the next day. You need to see a doctor as soon as possible and have documentation of your medical tests and treatments.
A medical record which documents your injuries can be helpful for your workers’ compensation claim or if your case goes to court in the future.
Report the Accident
Many workers fail to report their injuries out of fear of losing their job or immigration status. Sometimes companies do not want a report that highlights their poor safety practices.
It’s in your best interest to report your accident to your supervisor or whoever is in charge. Reporting what happened ensures you will have documentation of the accident and expose any unsafe practices that may prevent future injuries.
Make sure you take note of who accepts the report and the date you submit it. This is important for any future legal action in your case.
Your employer may ask you to complete additional forms related to workers’ compensation. It’s always a good idea to consult a personal injury attorney before you sign any forms or accept a settlement.
Gather Contact Information
It’s important to gather as much evidence about your accident as possible. This includes gathering contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident.
You or a coworker should write down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses. This is critical information for the investigative phase of the accident.
Do not try to pressure witnesses to give you details about the accident. Your attorney can contact them at a later time for more information.
Take Pictures of the Scene
If you are able, try to take photos of the scene or have a coworker do this for you. If your accident was due to unsafe conditions on the job, take pictures of the area or any defective equipment.
Have someone take pictures of your injuries and any damages to your clothing, hat, or other property. If your employer isn’t following the proper safety guidelines, you may be entitled to a larger settlement.
Try to preserve as much evidence as possible. This could come in handy for your case at a later time.
Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation pays for medical expenses and lost income due to your on-the-job injury. As an employee, you have the right to workers’ compensation if:
- Your employer is enrolled in workers’ compensation insurance
- You sustained an injury on the clock or related to your job
- Your work-related injury is not due to your misconduct or drug or alcohol impairment
You must file a workers’ compensation claim within one year of your accident. It’s a good idea to consult a personal injury attorney who can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Keep Medical Records
Construction accidents are often serious. You may need ongoing medical care, treatments, and medications following your injury.
Medical tests and ongoing expenses add up. If you’re unable to work, you may be dealing with the emotional stress of your medical bills piling up.
It’s important to keep track of all your medical records and bills. Your documentation should include the names of your doctors, dates of service, and any prescribed medications.
You may be entitled to compensation for your medical care, pain and suffering, lost wages, or more. An experienced personal injury lawyer can evaluate your claim and help you understand your rights and the best path forward.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Your first step is to get medical care following your accident. And you need someone by your side who understands what you’re going through.
An experienced lawyer understands the complexities of construction site accidents and workers’ compensation laws. They can handle the paperwork and the investigation for you while you concentrate on getting better.
Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Your lawyer may be able to help you negotiate a better settlement than you might receive otherwise.
Steps to Take After a Construction Site Accident
Workers’ compensation laws and construction site accident cases are complex and require the knowledge of an experienced attorney. Don’t take the chance of making inadvertent mistakes or accepting less than you deserve.
If you’ve sustained a construction site accident in Nashville or the surrounding area, our experienced personal injury lawyers are here to help. We would love to talk with you about your case. We offer a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Contact us today for more information.
